Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy and Confidentiality are difficult to protect in terms of the Internet.  Although every digital device enables users to customize their privacy settings, advanced system tracking has found a way around that.  For instance, a person that is "private browsing," is really preventing any history searches and data to be recorded on their computer.  But is it true the other way around with websites?  Caches and cookies are still recorded unless the user manually deletes them.  I am usually weary when it comes to downloading apps on my portable devices, buying things online, or signing up to a website.  Most of the time, providers will say they will keep your information private (and perhaps from third-party advertisers), but what is that to stop them from tracking you?  Google is guilty in this matter.  Their system tracking (as well as other websites) allows them to read your searches and post advertisements  based on those searches.

Bluntly, it IS the Internet.  Anyone can search your name and information, especially if you have a FaceBook, Twitter, Linkedn, etc.  Yet the Internet is a useful took for people that want to post their resume online even though they know the risks.  Any information you put out publicly, people will find (including uploaded photos and videos).  Employers will search prospective employees' profiles and photos to obtain better knowledge of their character.  Unless you ask your family, friends, and peers, anything posted or uploaded can risk your protection as well as your reputation.  Most socialites tolerate their lack of privacy, considering they constantly update their statuses, tweets, blogs, pictures, videos, etc.  Simply, if someone wants to protect their privacy, they should limit the amount of information they put out there, and consider other peoples' feelings and privacy next time they post something.

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